| Mineral works on planning as a community
If Mineral County wants to have more control of land use, it must include the guidelines for developing ordinances for regulating land use in the update of its 11-year-old comprehensive plan, according to the consultant working with the plan. Michael Dougherty, West Virginia Extension Service community development specialist, told a group of 22 people that came out Wednesday evening why the plan is needed.The county's planning commission is seeking public input as part of the process of updating its comprehensive plan through a series of six public meetings throughout the county. Planning Commission Chairman Clyde Burdock told the group of about half residents and half officials that the commission has employed the West Virginia University Extension Service as consultant on the update. Dougherty emphasized that the real input is to come from the citizens of the county and meetings with various groups and organizations.The group responded to seven questions, including what they find positive about the county, its most pressing problems, and other issues that impact life and work in the county.The relatively small group covered a wide range of topics and while noting there is much that is good about the county, there are a number of needs that should be addressed.* Improved infrastructure such as water, sewer and highways.* An improved tax base with better jobs and increased economic, commercial and residential development.
Asthma Foundation Offers National Flu Shot Finder
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced the week after Thanksgiving, November 27 to December 2, as National Influenza Vaccination Week. Despite annual CDC recommendations, influenza vaccination (flu shot) rates in young children remain disturbingly low. Only 20 percent of children age 6 to 23 months were fully immunized for the flu during the 2005-2006 season. So the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is making it easier for asthma patients to find flu shot clinics with a free "Flu Shot Finder" at http://www.aafa.org.
The flu is a serious and potentially deadly viral infection that causes respiratory problems, spreads easily, and is a major concern for 20 million Americans with asthma. Each year, it causes approximately 20,000 hospitalizations and nearly 100 deaths in American children under age 5.
Putting A Fat Substitute To The Test
It sounded perfect: a fat substitute for home cooks. My husband showed me the article in Consumer Reports, and I was very interested. The product, called Z Trim, has no calories, no fat and no cholesterol, and it takes the place in recipes of oil, butter and, in some cases, eggs. Could this miracle product take my favorite foods, such as cake, brownies and chicken salad, off the forbidden list? I was eager to put it to the test and share this amazing news with the people of the Tampa Bay area, so I contacted Z Trim Holdings, the company that makes Z Trim. The next day, I received a box of samples, including an assortment of premade products such as salad dressings and a mayonnaise-like spread. The box also included two big bottles of premixed Z Trim for use in recipes.
Experts Report Progress In Food Allergy Prevention And Diet Restrictions
Progress has been made in food allergy prevention and management according to investigators presenting the latest research at the Annual Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) in Dallas. Important research findings may impact diet restrictions of food allergic patients.
According to Robert A. Wood, M.D., professor of pediatrics and international health director, pediatric allergy and immunology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, research has determined a possible role for allergy prevention strategies. These approaches include maternal food avoidance in pregnancy, breast feeding, maternal food avoidance while breast feeding, use of hypoallergenic formulas, delayed introduction of allergenic foods and probiotics.
"A review of 18 studies demonstrates a significant protective effect of exclusive breastfeeding for at least three months for children with high risk for atopy (genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases) against the development of atopic dermatitis and early childhood asthma-like symptoms," he said.
Food matters
Legumes such as pinto beans, lentils, black-eyed peas, black beans and soybeans are a staple in much of the world's cultural cuisine yet in the Unites States we eat far less than what is recommended. They have been consumed by humans since the earliest practice of agriculture and have been recognized in medicinal and cultural as well as nutritional roles. Diets containing legumes reduce plasma low density lipoprotein, otherwise known as "bad cholesterol". Beans are listed in two food groups - the vegetable group because they are a plant-based food that provide vitamins, minerals and fiber similar to other vegetables, and in the protein group because they're a good source of protein. Beans are a good source of essential nutrients like folate, potassium, iron and magnesium as well as thiamin and riboflavin.
Medical tourism
Affordable health care has become an oxymoron in the U.S. over the past 20 years or so. While the rate of inflation has remained in check for most of the U.S. economy, it has been increasing at double-digit numbers for health-related goods and services. While some progress has been made recently, it still outpaces the general inflation figures by 200% to 300%. As a result, employers, both large and small, have struggled to maintain cost-effective health coverage. The sad reality is that America now has over 45 million uninsured people. Although a number of strategies have been employed to keep health care costs in check, little progress has been made. Despite innovative ideas such as consumer-driven health plans and wellness efforts, most employers at best are doing little but treading water.
LifeMasters Provides Healthy Tips for Individuals Living With Diabetes
In recognition of American Diabetes Month, LifeMasters -- a national leading provider of disease management programs and services -- encourages individuals to keep up with routine self-checks and stay active to prevent complications from diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, 20.8 million children and adults have diabetes, and another 54 million people have pre-diabetes. Diabetes can result in heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness or lower limb amputation. "Learning to manage your diabetes is something that takes personal commitment, but it's worth your time and effort," said Mary Jane Osmick, M.D., medical director at LifeMasters. "Once you learn to better manage your blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol and weight by keeping them in the right ranges, you can decrease your risk of diabetes complications.
An Economy of Scales
On my way home from dinner with a friend the other night -- 22-ounce rib-eye, potato skins, tall beer, pure gastronomic bliss -- I called my wife and said, "We need to negotiate." The point of contention: How much she would pay me per pound to lose weight. She said, "Five dollars." I said, "Seven dollars." .
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